Earlier this summer, a lost pet was found roaming the streets of Enfield. But it wasn't your typical stray.

"It was an alligator," recalled Michael Ralbovsky, a professionally trained herpetologist. "It still had a collar and a leash on."

Ralbovsky sees this kind of thing all the time -- pet reptiles that have been lost, abandoned or worse, abused by their owners. Once these animals are found, it is impossible, either for legal or practical reasons, to release them into the wild.

"They teach humans about their species and proper etiquettes when it comes to pets," said Ralbovsky, who, as the co-owner of Rainforest Reptiles, brings his extended family of 200-plus adopted snakes, alligators, lizards and crocodiles to zoos for educational and entertainment purposes.

Animal lovers can catch a glimpse of these exotic crawlers and fascinating creepers at Connecticut's Beardsley Zoo in Bridgeport, the current stop on the Rainforest Reptiles tour, on Thursday, Aug. 30, and Friday, Aug. 31.

The Massachusetts-based organization will present an interactive show, as well as the Reptile Trailer, which features 40 live animal displays. Among the creatures are Fred, Rainforest Reptiles' seven-foot alligator; a rare albino alligator; iguanas, pythons, boa constrictors, lizards, turtles and more. Many of the animals were captured right here in Connecticut.

"Reptiles are always something people want to see," said Gregg Dancho, director of Connecticut's Beardsley Zoo. "Some people are afraid, some people love them, but they always generate interest."

In addition to providing a peak at rare and exotic creatures, Rainforest Reptiles aims to educate visitors on the proper way to care for reptiles and amphibians.

As Ralbovsky stressed, "It's not like owning a dog or cat." A Burmese python, for example, can grow to 9-feet-long, so it needs a large enclosure to live happily.

"We want people to educate themselves before they buy anything," said Ralbovsky, who has been taking care of reptiles since he was young. "You need to know what an animal's needs are and know that you should be able to take care of an animal for its entire life."

Otherwise, Ralbovsky could see his extended family grow larger and larger.